Sciatica is a painful condition that occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated, causing severe lower back pain that goes down to the buttock and leg, making it difficult to move and impacting everyday life. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. There are two nerves, each connecting the spinal cord in the low back to the nerves and muscles in each leg. It runs under the piriformis muscle located deep in the buttock area. Sciatica occurs because of an underlying medical condition. Piriformis syndrome is another condition that also compresses the sciatic nerve, and can cause sciatica-like symptoms.
What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatica develops over time but can sometimes be caused by an acute injury. Sciatica can also be the result of Medical conditions and other factors. Herniated disc in the lower (lumbar) spine, Lumbar spinal stenosis, Lumbar degenerative disc disease, Spondylolisthesis, Muscle spasms, Inflammation of the lumbar and/or pelvic muscles, Pregnancy (pregnancy-related sciatica), Sitting for too long over time (especially on hard surfaces) which can directly compress the sciatic nerve and is called wallet sciatica or wallet neuritis, Previous injuries or surgeries to the area, such as a hip replacement, Long-term, repetitive strain or overuse recreational or occupational (like truck driving or strenuous jobs like a machine operator), Obesity and Sedentary lifestyle.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Sciatica?
Initially, pain is felt in just one leg. Other signs and symptoms are Lower back pain, Buttock pain, Burning pain (knife-like or like an electric shock), Shooting pain radiating from the low back to the buttock and down into the leg, Numbness and Tingling(“pins and needles”). Pain that gets worse with sitting, trying to stand up, bending or twisting, or lying down (rare), neurological symptoms, weakness in both legs, bowel and/or bladder dysfunction and sexual dysfunction can indicate a serious medical condition such as cauda equine syndrome (nerve damage), infection or spinal tumors and must be treated immediately.
Are you looking for physiotherapy or a Chiropractor? If Yes, then visit Simply Align Rehab Physio in Scarborough/Toronto or Woodbridge/Vaughan or you can always call or text us for your Physiotherapy or Chiropractor needs in Toronto at (416) 438-3230 or For Physiotherapy or Chiropractor need in Vaughan (Woodbridge) at (905) 638-9840.
Treating Sciatica in Scarborough, Toronto & Woodbridge, Vaughan!
Chances of developing chronic sciatica pain will be less if diagnosed early. Treatment comprises: Physiotherapy and Medications taken short-term to relieve pain and allow participation in physiotherapy. For example, Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil, Motrin or Aleve (ibuprofen and naproxen), Oral steroids, such as prednisone and Lumbar epidural steroid injections. Surgery is needed if other less invasive treatments do not help. Physiotherapy is an important part of rehabilitation. It is drug free and non-surgical, focusing on reducing pain, preventing chronic pain, regaining strength, and increasing mobility and function.
Since sciatica and piriformis syndrome can easily be confused, an experienced physiotherapist will take you through a series of specific movements, positions, and stretches designed to diagnose true sciatic pain from the pain related to piriformis syndrome. Physiotherapy is prescribed based on the results and individual needs and includes: Stretching, strengthening, and range of motion exercises, Core strengthening and stability exercises, Activity modification and functional retraining, Personalized exercise plan that can be done at home to encourage continuous improvement and progress, Preventative strategies to help you manage lifestyle, work, and other risk factors, Patient education, actively involving you in your own recovery, including a return to work or sport recommendations, Cross-disciplinary pain-relieving therapies such as: Interferential current therapy (IFC) or TENS therapy, Therapeutic ultrasound Manual therapy, Acupuncture Massage therapy and Chiropractic. Computerized traction also known as Spinal Decompression can in theory pull back the discs.
At our clinic we have notice by using Simply Align Technique which includes advanced physical modalities, activity modification and specific exercises we have faster, longer lasting results with reduced healing time.
Can Sciatica Go Away By Itself?
Research clearly shows that the sooner you start treatment for pain or injury, the higher your chances of feeling relief quickly and preventing chronic pain. Without proper treatment or functional retraining, sciatica symptoms can recur. If you have sciatica, these are the things you can do to make daily life easier: Minimizing or avoiding activities that exacerbate the pain. However, it is important to Stay as active as possible for recovery and to Switch from high-intensity activities, like jogging, to low-intensity activities, like swimming, once the pain is gone, Applying heat and cold therapy and Using an ergonomic chair at work and home.
Can You Prevent Sciatica?
Yes. There are steps you can take to prevent or reduce the chance of developing sciatica. For example, Exercising regularly, particularly stretching exercises like yoga or tai chi for at least 30 minutes a day, staying active; avoid staying in one position for too long, Practicing good posture, Wearing orthotics and supportive shoes for your activity, Eating a non-inflammatory diet (avoiding processed foods like sugar) and drinking plenty of water, maintaining a healthy weight and Using an ergonomic chair at work and home. In the following video you can see some spine sparing strategies taken from Dr. Stu McGill. You can also see how to avoid painful positions and spinal/core stability exercises recommended by us. (Remember you should always be assessed first.)
Treatment of Sciatica :
As seen above the first thing to do is to get an assessment. Here at Simply Align Rehab we have free consultations at both of our clinics Toronto Scarborough and Vaughn Woodbridge. The next step if you are candidate for physiotherapy or chiropractic care is to avoid causing more harm. That is where the video above in Spine Sparing Techniques by Stu McGill comes in handy. As far as treatment goes we offer a comprehensive treatment at our clinic which includes Spinal Decompression Therapy followed by Tecar Radio Frequency, Pulse Shockwave, Laser and Super Induction therapy as well as core stabilization exercises. We get great results with combination of such treatments. See the video below.
In the videos blow you can see spinal decompression therapy as well as combination of TECAR, Shockwave and Laser therapy offered by both chiropractor and physiotherapist at both of our clinics in Vaughan Woodbridge and Toronto Scarborough location.
Concerned about symptoms of sciatica? Speak to a physiotherapist in Scarborough, Toronto or Woodbridge about the best exercises for your activities. Book a Consultation Today.
Also Read
| Degenerative Disc Disease (Intervertebral Disc Pain) | Low Back Pain |
| Low Back Osteoarthritis | Lumbar Spondylosis |
| Sciatica | Whiplash |
| Scoliosis | Upper Back and Shoulder Pain |
